‘Bosse’ was the Boss (updated)

Marcus Grönholm won Pikes Peak Global Rallycross – but ahead of who?

Finn Marcus ‘Bosse’ Grönholm (Ford Fiesta VII) has claimed victory of the Global Rallycross event at the Pikes Peak International Raceway at Fountain, Colorado, in the USA on Saturday June 18. That much is for sure! However, until further notice of the officials it is not certain yet who will be placed from second place on. Clearing up should come from some video pictures and studying of the rules to enlighten the stewards of the meeting, as it is claimed that American Tanner Foust (Ford Fiesta VII) has passed the finish line backwards. Foust and Swede Michael Jernberg (Škoda Fabia II) were involved in a last second crash that knocked the Ford driver off the track – but seemingly by crossing the finish line. Due to the incident Manxman David Higgins (Subaru Impreza GR) was able to pass the battling pair in the wake of the Finn. More information to follow later on!

Update of 20.06.2011, 10.00h: According to Global Rallycross, the organisers of the event, the final result sees Marcus Grönholm as the winner, David Higgins as runner-up and US-based Frenchman Stéphane Verdier (Subaru Impreza GD) on third place.

Quote of the Rallcross Global Press Release of June 19:

[…] Rockstar Energy Drink driver Tanner Foust was gunning to overtake Swede Michael Jernberg in Saturday’s action-packed eight-car RallyCross final when the duo got caught up in a crash mere feet before the finish timing line. Neither driver was hurt, but both cars were disabled at the side of the course while Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins and privateer Stephan Verdier drove past them to finish in second- and third-place, respectively. “It’s a miracle finish, but I’ll take it,” said Verdier, a privateer driver who has made a series of impressive appearances at the front of the pack this season.

Initial confusion over whether Foust or Jernberg had indeed crossed the finish left the final results in dispute but, when the dust settled, officials were able to review official ESPN TV race footage and conclusively verify the result. […]

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